OSU by Sensei Sarhn | Motivated Savages

OSU

by Sensei Sarhn

Neurodivergent teen Olive finds strength and healing through karate.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

“OSU celebrates the victory of forging one’s path.” – BookLife by Publishers Weekly

Olive is just starting to find her power on the mat. But outside the karate dojo, the real fight is against the voice telling her she isn’t enough.

In the dojo, Olive discovers her empowering strength. Outside, she faces her greatest challenge.

Sixteen-year-old Olive has always been an outsider and when her family uproots her from the bustling city to sleepy Buxton, she’s sure her life is over. That is, until she stumbles upon a local martial arts, karate school.

The dojo becomes Olive’s sanctuary, and her natural talent catches everyone’s eye-especially Boyan, the enigmatic adopted son of her sensei. As Olive and Boyan’s connection deepens, she realises he’s fighting battles of his own.

But just as Olive begins to find her footing, a devastating secret threatens everything she’s built. Now, she must summon every ounce of her newfound strength to fight for her place in a world that seems determined to push her out.

OSU is a gripping, empowering coming-of-age-tale of self-acceptance, resilience, and the transformative power of finding where you belong.

In this unforgettable debut, Sensei Sarhn reminds us that the stories we tell ourselves can be our greatest enemy-or our most powerful ally.


** 2025 Wishing Shelf International Book Awards – Silver Winner in the category ‘Teens’
** 2026 Wishing Shelf International Book Awards – Finalist in the category ‘Audiobook Young Adults’


This book is perfect for:

• Building Resilience: Perfect for readers navigating the ups and downs of self-doubt and social anxiety.
• Confidence Seekers: For anyone looking for a story that proves strength isn’t about the size of your muscles, but the size of your heart.
• Life Lessons through Sport: For those who love seeing how the discipline of martial arts translates into lessons for the real world.
• Emotional Intelligence: A great resource for teaching teens and young adults, how to identify and “talk back” to their inner critic.
• Classroom & Library Collections: An excellent choice for teachers and librarians looking for books that tackle dyslexia, bullying, resilience, and self-esteem.

Key Themes of OSU:

• Overcoming the Inner Critic: How to silence the voice of self-doubt.
• Growth Mindset: Emphasising that skills are built through effort, not just talent.
• Anxiety Management: Using breathing and focus to handle “the storm” of big emotions.
• Self-Acceptance: Learning that being “enough” doesn’t require being perfect.
• Mindfulness: Using dojo techniques (meditation/breathing) in everyday life.
• Hidden Struggles: Addressing the “invisible” nature of dyslexia and the relief of finally being understood.
• Courage vs. Fear: Understanding that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.
• The Power of Community: Finding a sense of belonging in a “found family” like a dojo.

“Cobra Kai and Karate Kids fans will definitely appreciate this story and those generally looking for an inspiring uplifting read.” – Cobra Kai Nation

“OSU is a coming-of-age story not only for its characters, but for the belief that resilience is something learned, practised, and earned, one step at a time.”
– Book World Magazine

“What makes OSU truly unforgettable is its message: greatness isn’t about being extraordinary, it’s about choosing to rise, again and again, with heart.”
– Marianne Pestana, ABC Radio

“OSU stands as a beacon of hope to my daughters’ generation.”
– Sherree Sparks, Australia TV Presenter

Book Details:

• Genre: Young Adult
• Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook